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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Johnson To Get New Trial In Killing Of Phylicia Barnes

A Baltimore judge threw out the murder conviction of a man who was to be sentenced Wednesday in the death of 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes, saying prosecutors withheld information about a key witness from defense attorneys.

Michael Maurice Johnson's second-degree murder conviction last month had appeared to close the book on the 2010 case of the North Carolina girl who disappeared while visiting family in Baltimore.

But Circuit Judge Alfred Nance's ruling will give the 29-year-old another chance to prove his innocence.

Prosecutors said they were "disappointed" in the ruling but planned to retry the case against Johnson, as Barnes' father expressed confidence that he will be convicted again.

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Heartwarming Lawyer Story

One afternoon, a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the road-side eating grass.

Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and got out to investigate.
He asked one man, "Why are you eating grass?"

"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "We have to eat grass."

"Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I'll feed you," the lawyer said.

"But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there, under that tree."

"Bring them along," the lawyer replied.

Turning to the other poor man he stated, "You may come with us, also."

The second man, in a pitiful voice, then said, "But sir, I also have a wife and six children with me!"

"Bring them all as well," the lawyer answered.

They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine.

Once under way, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you.

The lawyer replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really love my place. The
grass is almost a foot high."

Lawmakers Offer Bill To Ban ‘Redskins’ Trademark

A group of U.S. House members has offered a bill that would prohibit the term “Redskins” from being trademarked, as the debate over the NFL team’s name expands from the legal system and the court of public opinion to Capitol Hill.

Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) has authored the Non-Disparagement of American Indians in Trademark Registrations Act of 2013, which would cancel all existing federal trademarks using “Redskins” to refer to Native Americans and prohibit future trademarks as well. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) — a critic of the team’s name — is an original co-sponsor, along with Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Karen Bass (D-Calif.).

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Congressman Andy Harris Encourages Participation In Congressional Art Competition

Winner’s Art will be Displayed for a Year in the Capitol

WASHINGTON, DC
—Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. officially announces the participation of Maryland’s First Congressional District in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition.Each spring, the House of Representatives sponsors an art competition that recognizes the artistic talent of high school students in each congressional district throughout the country.

“The Congressional Art Competition is an extraordinary opportunity to reward the talent and creativity of high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District,” Harris said. “I’m glad to be participating again this year because I think it’s a great way to recognize the talents of our students.”

The competition is open to all high school students from Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. Each district will select one winner and that student will have the opportunity to display their artwork for one year in the U.S. Capitol building alongside the work of other contest winners from around the country.

The Congressional Art Competition is an important opportunity to encourage and recognize artistic talent throughout the nation. Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have submitted entries to the competition.

HERE’S WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO STOP GIVING OUT YOUR ZIP CODE TO STORES

You might have thought nothing of stores asking for your ZIP code when you’re making a purchase. After all, it’s just the general location of where you live, right?

According to privacy experts, giving out your ZIP code might reveal more about you than you intend to reveal.

In a recent interview with NBC’s Today show, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Policy and Advocacy Director Paul Stephens advised customers against offering up their ZIP codes. He said when paired with information like the customer’s name on a credit card, these ZIP codes can help identify the person’s actual address and target them with marketing materials, like junk mail.

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Free College For Every Student

That's the plan proposed by one gubernatorial candidate in Arkansas. Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter is running as a democratic candidate in that state, and he believes that every student should have the right to a high-quality college education. According to his new plan, which he calls the Arkansas Promise, students who maintain a 2.5 GPA, and plan to attend a public university in Arkansas, would be eligible to attend college tuition-free. In his proposal, he wrote, “If you wouldn't hire a football coach who doesn't aspire to winning the national championship and have a plan to do so, then why would you hire a Chief Executive Officer of the state who doesn't aspire to make Arkansas the best state in America and have a plan to make it happen.” Mr. Halter recognizes that educating our future leaders is one of the best investments we can make as a nation. Hopefully, the voters of Arkansas also recognize the value in his plan, and that elected leaders in every state take a cue from Bill Halter.

GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST BUYS HOUSE ACROSS FROM WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH, PAINTS IT TO LOOK LIKE A GIANT RAINBOW

It’s the Westboro Baptist Church’s worst nightmare: A home-turned-gay rights center located right across the street from the controversial Topeka, Kan., house of worship. Recently, this intriguing scenario became a reality.

In addition to its mere presence, the building’s aesthetics are also likely to create a stir among Westboro faithful, as the house’s siding has been intentionally painted to resemble a rainbow — a symbol that has been synonymous with the gay rights movement for decades.

The home, located opposite the church, has become 31-year-old Aaron Jackson’s newest project, Gawker reports. The young do-gooder has transformed into a center intended to target the anti-gay sentiment that so often comes from Westboro’s congregants.

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THINGS PARENTS TAUGHT US


1. TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .. 
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside…I just finished cleaning." 
2. RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."
 
5. MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
 
6. FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
 
7. IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
 
8. science of   OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper"
 
9. CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone." 

11. WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
 
13. CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!" 

15. ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful
parents like you do." 
16. ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home." 

17. RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."


21. HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

Police Consider Whether To Charge Neighbor In Fatal Shooting Of Loudoun Teen

Loudoun County sheriff’s officials are reviewing 911 calls and interviewing friends of the teenager who was shot to death after he accidentally entered a neighbor’s home over the weekend.

Sheriff Mike Chapman said his office is working with the commonwealth’s attorney’s office in deciding whether to pursue charges or close the investigation. James Plowman, Loudoun’s chief prosecutor, declined to comment.

Caleb Gordley, 16, sneaked out of his home in Sterling after he was grounded for not cleaning his room. He went to a party with some friends, where he drank alcohol. About 2 a.m. Sunday, his friends dropped him off after the party, but Caleb wrongly entered the house two doors from his by climbing through a window. 

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3rd ANNUAL DOG WALK

SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB
CHARITABLE TRUST, INC.
3rd ANNUAL DOG WALK
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013
REGISTRATION 8: 00 A.M. TO 9:30 A.M. '" WALK 9:30 A.M.

SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB TRAINING CENTER

31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY, SALISBURY, MD

BENEFIT VESTS FOR OUR
POLICE K9'S IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA
(Bullet & Stab Proof Dog Safety Vest)

& OXYGEN MASKS FOR SMALL ANIMALS
FOR FIRE DEPTS IN THE TRI-COUNTY AREA
Canine Good Citizen Test to Follow $10.00

DOG WALK REGISTRATION FORM

NAME

--------------------------------------------

ADDRESS

-----------------------------------------

PHONE # _______________________ E-MAIL __________________________ _

DOG & HANDLER $20.00 ""-J ADDITIONAL DOGS $5.00 EACH
AMOUNT ENCLOSED

------------------------------

Bring Day of Event or Mail by 3/20/13 to' Bonnie Garris, 321 Cedar Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST
[Contributions are tax deductible IRS code 501( c )(3)]

In consideration of the furtherance of the Salisbury MD Kennel Charitable Trust, and of the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable
Trust permitting me and my dog(s) to participate in the SMKCCT Dog Walk, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators
and assigns, by SUbmitting this form or participating in this event, I hereby waive and release any and all rights and claims for
damages or injuries that I and my dog(s) might sustain while taking part in this event or as a result there of: the Salisbury MD Kennel
Club Charitable Trust, Salisbury MD Kennel Club or any other person connected with the event. I give the Salisbury MD Kennel
Club Charitable Trust and Salisbury MD Kennel Club permission to take photographs or video of myself and dog(s) at this event and
use them on their websites, in print and in other media to promote the Salisbury MD Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

BREAKING NEWS: Senate Passes Gov't Funding Bill

Senate passes bill funding the government through Sept. 30 to avoid a shutdown, sending the bill to the House.
From Fox News

Fire Chief Supports Private Meetings With Employees

OCEAN CITY -- As City Manager David Recor holds private talks with members of the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) this month, Fire Chief Chris Larmore has made it clear he is not worried about what his superior is going to hear from his personnel.

With questions continuing to abound about general operations with the OCFD and at least two internal investigations being conducted -- one by the city’s labor law firm, Miles & Stockbridge, and another less formal one by Recor and Human Resources Director Wayne Evans -- Larmore is endorsing the city manager’s decision to meet privately with staff members under his domain without command staff present.

“That originated from a staff meeting [back in January]. I invited Mr. Recor to that meeting. I and my command staff have nothing to hide. David made a comment at that meeting that he is very much into an open management form of government and that he reaches out to all the employees of the town of Ocean City. He said he wanted to let everybody know we are all here together as a team,” Larmore said. “What started as a simple introduction of sorts somewhere has been misconstrued that we are going to go out to the firehouses, and we are going to fix problems and hear something.”

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STATE’S ATTORNEY RELEASES REPORT AND CONCLUSIONS RELATED TO TRAFFIC FATALITY THAT OCCURED ON MARCH 7, 2013

On March 20, 2013, at a press conference attended by local media, Matthew A. Maciarello, State’s Attorney for Wicomico County released a document entitled Report and Conclusions of the State’s Attorney which detailed an investigation into a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a minor, T.S., age 15, on Camden, Avenue on March 7, 2013. The report is attached hereto along with exhibits (except for audio communication and video that was distributed to the media at the press conference).

In the report, the State’s Attorney explained that the SPD officers observed J.S. manifest the following signs of impairment as he drove his vehicle through a Salisbury neighborhood: sharp turns, improper signaling, crossing prominent yellow lines, crossing white lines, driving through turn lanes, driving through red lights, driving through stop signs, swerving, driving through oncoming traffic, and failure to acknowledge the officer during a traffic stop. Based upon what the officers’ observed, and based upon the Maryland State Police Crash Team’s Oral Report, witness statements and other evidence obtained during the investigation, it was the opinion of the State’s Attorney that the officers acted prudently and professionally, and that charges were clearly not warranted.

The State’s Attorney provided copies of the report and the exhibits referenced therein to media attending the conference. A copy of the report is attached to this release for the media not in attendance. For more information or for an interview please call the Office of the State’s Attorney at (410) 548-4880 or go to www.wicomicosao.com.

In Rare Move, Delegates Nix Double Jeopardy Bill In Final Vote

In a rare turn of events, a bill prohibiting double jeopardy prosecution in Maryland was defeated on third reading in the House of Delegates, 89 votes against to 46 in favor.

Sponsored by Del. Curt Anderson, D-Baltimore City, HB 152 sought to prohibit the state prosecution of a defendant who was acquitted in a federal court for the same crime.

Del. Jay Walker, D-Prince George’s, led the opposition to the bill during debate on the floor of the House, opening with a very direct question to the chair leader of the Judiciary Committee: “Why do we need this bill?”

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4th Circuit Weighs Inmates’ Right To Visitation

RICHMOND, Va. — A lawyer for a South Carolina inmate told a federal appeals court Tuesday that the prisoner’s constitutional rights were violated when his visitation privileges were suspended for two years without proof that he had done anything wrong.

Jerome Williams, an inmate at Evans Correctional Institution, claims the suspension violated his rights of association and due process, as well as the constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

“Inmates do not lose all their constitutional rights just because they are incarcerated,” Williams’ attorney, Kirsten E. Small, told a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Subject Apprehended By Canine After Fleeing From Shoplifting

Location:
Kohls, 4437 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 4:55 p.m.

Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Bryan Politakis, 27, of Newark, DE
Shoplifting Under $1,500
Resisting Arrest
Committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $5,000 secured bail.

Resume:
Wilmington – A Newark man was apprehended by a State Police canine yesterday after he fled from a shoplifting at the Kohls, 4437 Kirkwood Highway.

The incident occurred at 4:55 p.m. when Troopers responded to the Kohls after a man, later identified as Bryan Politakis, 27, of Newark, stole clothing from the store and fled from a store employee. A responding Trooper spotted Politakis as he ran into an office building located at 2055 Limestone Road.

When Troopers entered the building they found it mostly unoccupied, and utilized a State Police canine to conduct a search of the building. After conducting an extensive search, the canine located Politakis in a closet on the top floor of the building. The canine engaged Politakis, who was quickly apprehended.

Politakis was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated for a bite wound to the abdomen and released. He was charged with shoplifting under $1,500 and resisting arrest, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $5,000 secured bail.

A Daily Times Article Worth Linking To


Ocean Pines releases list of delinquent members

OPA names those who owe more than $5,000 in dues
OCEAN PINES — More than 60 Ocean Pines property owners each owe the Ocean Pines Association more than $5,000 in homeowners association dues.

OPA staff members released the list of the 63 delinquent property owners to the public in an effort to get them to pay. The OPA board voted in January to allow the release of unpaid assessments with the oversight of OPA general manager Bob Thompson.

“I’d like to see these folks work with us,” said Tom Terry, president of the board.


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Sussex Board Tables Home Of The Brave Vote

For the second time, the Sussex County Board of Adjustment has tabled a request from the Home of the Brave Foundation to open a homeless women veteran's facility near Milford. At its March 18 meeting, board member Norman Rickard said he needed more time to read documentation presented during the March 4 public hearing. The special-use application will be placed on the board's Monday, April 1 agenda.

It's been a long-time goal of the Home of the Brave Foundation to expand and offer a home for homeless women veterans. The foundation has operated a similar facility for men for the past 20 years.

Executive Director Linda Boone said the proposed women's home would offer beds for six women and their children with around-the-clock supervision. Boone said on any given night, there are 25 homeless women veterans in the area. She stressed the home would not be shelter, but a transitional home for longer-term stays.

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Maryland Senate OKs Ban On Smoking In Cars With Young Kids

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Senate has approved a ban on smoking in vehicles if a child under 8 is a passenger.

The Senate passed the measure on a 27-20 vote on Wednesday.

Drivers also wouldn't be able to allow other passengers to smoke in a vehicle with a child under eight.

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Is Jim Ireton REALLY a Part-Time Mayor?

Yesterday we highlighted Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton’s interview on Delmarva Public Radio.  In addition to being scarily anti-business in his rhetoric, Ireton also made the following comment:
I get up every day and barrel at 110%.
Really Jim?  What do you “barrel” at?

For the moment, let’s ignore the debate as to whether a “part-time” mayor can successfully operate a $51 million enterprise (I believe the record indicates a big NO on that one).  Let’s ask two other questions:
  1. Is Jim Ireton really a part-time mayor?
  2. Is Jim Ireton really devoting the time he supposedly spends as mayor to making Salisbury a better place to live and to work?
If your definition of being “part-time” is spending one second or more per week, month, etc. to the job of being mayor I’d have to give Ireton a free pass.  However, IF (like me) you define the term as spending 20 – 30 hours per week at a task then the answer is clearly no.  This ties directly in to question two.

For four years, and particularly during the last two, Jim Ireton has spent a fair piece of his “mayor time” engaged in political grandstanding, partisan politics, and pushing an agenda that is not even tangentially connected to making Salisbury a better place to live and to work.

In August, 2011 Ireton took time out of his supposedly busy day to picket the Salisbury office of Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD).  He has time to picket, but not to sit down with city council and engage in civil, honest discussion of issues facing our city?  Did this make Salisbury a better place to live and to work?

In June, 2011 Ireton called a press conference to attack the city council majority for not backing his planned luxury apartment project at “The Bricks”.  In his press conference Ireton implies that council members Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen, and Tim Spies are racists (sound familiar?) and intimates that racial discord could follow (with councilwomen Laura Mitchell and Shanie Shields cheering him on).  Ireton’s rantings before the press are numerous, and (sadly) legendary.  Do any of these things make Salisbury a better place to live and to work?

Ireton has travelled to Annapolis to lobby for issues such as gay marriage.  Unless Ireton has some undisclosed plan to make Salisbury a mecca for gay marriage (with the tourism dollars that would follow) we have to ask - Do any of these things make Salisbury a better place to live and to work?

Ireton has lent his name and the prestige of his office to a campaign to strip gun rights from our citizens.  Do any of these things make Salisbury a better place to live and to work? (Criminals will still get guns.  C’mon … They’re CRIMINALS)

So … what’s your definition of “part-time”.

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.

Electing LGBT Leaders To Change American Politics


Jim Ireton


This candidate is not currently accepting contributions through this website.
Candidate for Salisbury Mayor
Maryland

  • General Election: April 2, 2013
  • Contribution Limits: $250
Jim Ireton has been Salisbury’s mayor since 2009 and is the city’s first openly LGBT mayor. A native of Salisbury, he’s been a teacher in Wicomico County for nearly two decades. He’s served as a City Council member and on various volunteer and non-profit boards and committees. Under his leadership, Salisbury has not raised its property taxes, lowered its capacity fees and lowered its violent crime rate.

Source

LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender

School: 'Miscommunication' On Hugging Ban

One school district in Maryland is in the midst of a lot of controversy for banning actions that it finds 'inappropriate.'

School officials of St. Mary’s County elementary schools have banned its students from giving each other hugs, birthday party invitations, homemade food, and more. These guidelines also apply to visitors, volunteers, and parents who may visit the schools.

Kathy Hall, executive director of elementary schools in St. Mary’s County, told WBAL's Bryan Nehman that the new practices were put in effect after a committee of educators and parents met last fall to review and suggest new practices for schools to follow. 

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DAD: THIS PICTURE OF MY SON HOLDING A GUN TRIGGERED A VISIT FROM NJ POLICE, FAMILY SERVICES

Did this photograph spark a police action that tried to enter a New Jersey home without a warrant? That’s the story being told on a website dedicated to “Open Carry” in the state of Delaware. The title of the story, “The fight has officially been brought to my front door.”

2013 NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK Is March 17th- March 23rd

Salisbury, MD — In 1961, President John F. Kennedy designated the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week in order to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings. After all these years, is Poison Prevention Week still needed? Most definitely! According to the CDC, poisonings were the second leading cause of death caused by injury in 2009. Further, nearly 9 out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs.
The Maryland Poison Center (MPC) is pleased to announce the release of their new website to kick off National Poison Prevention Week! The new website is designed with a new look and user-friendly navigation, updated with the latest information about poison prevention and poison treatment. We invite you to go to www.mdpoison.com and take a look around!
Every year, the Maryland Poison Center reports approximately 62,000 calls ranging from poisoning emergencies to poison information requests and have approximately 38,000 poisonings and overdoses. In 2011, the center reported that Wicomico County had 864 calls to the Maryland poison center. 
Common items such as medicines, personal care products, and household cleaners found in all areas of the home can put children and grandchildren at risk for poisoning. Around 90 percent of poisonings occur in the home. Although it may be inconvenient to keep medicines and cleaners in locked cabinets, this action may save a child’s life.

Follow these suggestions to help keep your children safe:
Leave the original label on all containers. Read them before use and follow directions.
Store potentially poisonous medications and household products out of your child’s sight and reach. Do not leave these supplies unsecured or unattended.
Use child safety locks or child resistant packages when available.
Talk to your children and teach them never to touch or put anything in their mouth unless they ask a grown-up.
Never tell a child that medicine is candy.
Frequently wash the child’s hands, toys, and pacifiers to reduce risk of lead or lead contaminated dust.
The toll-free nationwide poison control center number is 1 (800) 222-1222, where pharmacists and nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give effective and confidential medical help in English and 150 other languages using interpreters. In case of an emergency or for information, keep the number handy by placing it near all phones and programming it in cell phones. With the help of the poison center, approximately 70% of calls can be managed on site without the need for additional medical care. However, call 911 immediately if your child is not breathing or has collapsed. 
For additional information, visit: www.safekids.org/, www.poisonprevention.org/, or www.mdpoison.com.

Iraq After Ten Years

March 19, 2013. Ten years ago today the Bush regime invaded Iraq. It is known that the justification for the invasion was a packet of lies orchestrated by the neoconservativeBush regime in order to deceive the United Nations and the American people.

The US Secretary of State at that time, General Colin Powell, has expressed his regrets that he was used by the Bush regime to deceive the United Nations with fake intelligence that the Bush and Blair regimes knew to be fake. But the despicable presstitute media has not apologized to the American people for serving the corrupt Bush regime as its Ministry of Propaganda and Lies.

It is difficult to discern which is the most despicable, the corrupt Bush regime, the presstitutes that enabled it, or the corrupt Obama regime that refuses to prosecute the Bush regime for its unambiguous war crimes, crimes against the US Constitution, crimes against US statutory law, and crimes against humanity.

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Maryland Senate Votes To Decriminalize Possession Of Small Amounts Of Pot

Possession of small amounts of marijuana would be a civil fine instead of a criminal penalty under a bill approved by the Maryland Senate on Tuesday.

The Senate voted 30-16 to replace the criminal charge of possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana with a civil fine of up to $100. Ten grams, about a third of one ounce, is equivalent to the weight of about two nickels.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, characterized people with 10 grams or less of marijuana as "small time" possessors and said it was a waste of taxpayer money to prosecute them and put them through the criminal justice system.

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10-Year Iraq War Anniversary: What We've Learned In the Past Decade

Reflections On a Major Debacle

Preface: Many experts and alternative writers pointed out the false justifications and huge downsides before the Iraq war started. I know for a fact that many letters and phone calls were made to Congress in an attempt to stop the war.

And the protests against the Iraq war were the largest protests in history.

Yet the politicians plowed ahead with the disastrous war and refused to listen to the facts ... or the will of the people.

The Iraq war started 10 years ago. This is a roundup of the facts that have been documented about the debacle in the last decade.
The War Was Planned Long Before 9/11

The American government planned the Iraq war long before 9/11.

Former CIA director George Tenet said that the White House wanted to invade Iraq long before 9/11, and inserted “crap” in its justifications for invading Iraq.

Former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill – who sat on the National Security Council – also says that Bush planned the Iraq war before 9/11.

Top British officials say that the U.S. discussed Iraq regime change even before Bush took office.

In 2000, Cheney said a Bush administration might “have to take military action to forcibly remove Saddam from power.” And see this and this.

Indeed, neoconservatives planned regime change in Iraq – and throughout the Middle East and North Africa – 20 years ago.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY 3-20-13

“Those who think there is little risk of a levy being imposed on other periphery members are missing the point. The seeds of doubt have been planted. As a saver facing zero yields on deposits and a potential haircut, why keep your savings in a bank? Sure it is convenient for electronic transactions, but individuals can adapt easily. As one of my more amusing colleagues put it, ‘mattresses now hold a 10 per cent premium.’”

Ben Davies, Cyprus, Oh the Irony!

Get Your Yard Signs And Show Your Support

With less than two weeks left before election day, now is the time to start requesting yard signs. I can tell you I have hundreds of yard signs out there and I made sure I ordered plenty to keep everyone satisfied. However, I have unfortunately had to go back and replace many that have been stolen. 

If you'd like a yard sign, (or even a replacement) please contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349 and we will deliver one to you right away. 

If you have any questions about my position on topics or issues you are welcome to contact me as well. 

Urgent: False Alarm Rates Are Increasing!

Alarm Engineering
March 20, 2013
IF YOU ARE WITHIN SALISBURY CITY LIMITS:
ACTION REQUIRED: FALSE ALARM PENALTY RATES ARE INCREASING! 
Members of the Business Community, 

The City of Salisbury has passed an ordinance changing the fees/fines charged for false alarms. Council members are on record stating to the news media that they have reduced the false alarm fees, however this is incorrect. Not only are the new fees higher, but they are also higher than virtually any other jurisdiction in the country.

The graph and table below compare the old and new fees, and show who is impacted:





Police Dispatches
Old fees
Old Annual cost
New fees
New Annual cost
Annual 
difference
% change
1
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
0%
2
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
0%
3
$50
$50
$246
$246
$196
392%
4
$100
$150
$246
$492
$342
228%
5
$150
$300
$246
$738
$438
146%
6
$200
$500
$246
$984
$484
97%
7
$250
$750
$246
$1,230
$480
64%
8
$300
$1,050
$246
$1,476
$426
41%
9
$400
$1,450
$246
$1,722
$272
19%
10
$500
$1,950
$246
$1,968
$18
1%
11
$600
$2,550
$246
$2,214
-$336
-13%
12
$700
$3,250
$246
$2,460
-$790
-24%
13
$800
$4,050
$246
$2,706
-$1,344
-33%
14
$1,000
$5,050
$246
$2,952
-$2,098
-42%
As shown above, the home or business that experiences a third false alarm sees a 392% increasein the fee/fine. Any location experiencing 3-10 false alarms will pay a higher fee than before. On the other end of the spectrum, those using/abusing the city's resources the most, with 14 false alarms, receive a 42% discount.

Giving frequent flyer discounts to those who have the most calls for service is totally contrary to the purpose of the fee/fine.

Despite all the talk about Salisbury being more "business friendly", this proposed increase will have an even more significant impact on businesses. There are more commercial than residential alarm customers within the city limits. Businesses also typically experience more false alarms than homes, due to many factors including: multiple users/employees, employee turnover, off hour deliveries, etc. Ironically, the large majority of the owners of the businesses impacted do not live in the city, and therefore have no vote.

In summation, the vast majority of those affected by a false alarm fee will pay more, significantly more. The very small number of people experiencing 11 or more false alarms in a year, are the only ones benefiting from a fee reduction, yet they are the ones putting the most strain on the city's limited resources.

Escalating fee/fine structures like the one Salisbury had in place prior to this change, are in use in almost all jurisdictions across the country, are proven to significantly reduce the number of false alarms, and have been successfully defended in many courts.

We urge you to contact all city representatives today to voice your opposition to the new "False Alarm Fee Schedule for Police Response":
Mayor Jim Ireton: 410-548-3100, jireton@ci.salisbury.md.us

Council Vice President Debbie Campbell: 410-860-0893, debbiescampbell@comcast.net

Council President Terry Cohen: 410-845-0296, terryecohen@gmail.com

Councilwoman Laura Mitchell: 410-422-2694, Laura@lauramitchell.org

Councilwoman Shanie Shields: 443-523-0084, sshields820@aol.com

Councilman Tim Spies: 410-219-5209, tspies@cavtel.net
Regards, 

Ron Boltz
President & CEO
Alarm Engineering